Germany have included 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in their final squad for the 2018 tournament, even though he has only just returned from a long-term absence through injury.
But coach Joachim Loew omitted Manchester City striker Leroy Sane from his 23-player list despite a strong season with the Premier League champions.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Sane was cut from the squad with Timo Werner and the veteran Mario Gomez included as just two out-and-out strikers.
Low explained: "That was a very close decision between him and [Julian] Brandt, which was made in favour of Brandt. [Julian] Draxler, [Marco] Reus and [Thomas] Muller are set.
"Leroy is a huge talent. He will be back again from September. He had not arrived in international matches yet. It was a very close decision. If it was a 100 metre race, it would have been a photo finish."
Meanwhile Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was included in Egypt's squad despite still underdoing treatment for a shoulder injury he suffered in the Champions League final, the Egyptian Football Association said.
Salah has undergone treatment in Valencia in the hope of playing a role in Egypt's first appearance in the World Cup since 1990.
CAPTAIN KOMPANY RETAINED
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has given Vincent Kompany two weeks to recover from a groin injury in time for the World Cup, retaining the Manchester City captain in his squad but putting Laurent Ciman on standby for the tournament in Russia.
Coach Roberto Martinez instead named 24 players, including central defender Kompany, saying that World Cup rules allowed the final squad to be named 24 hours before they kick off their campaign on June 18.
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